Government of Canada Helps People Who Are Homeless or at Risk of Homelessness in Manitoba

BRANDON, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Dec. 14, 2012) - People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will get more help from local organizations as a result of funding provided to the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC). Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government is giving a hand up to vulnerable Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to support the BNRC in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems," said Mr. Tweed. "By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Manitoba.

"The BNRC is honoured to partner with the Government of Canada to provide funding at the grassroots level to address homelessness issues throughout rural Manitoba," said Marty Snelling, General Manager, BNRC. "The Homelessness Partnering Strategy will fund projects in communities across Manitoba that will help individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness achieve self-sufficiency and a better quality of life."

The BNRC is distributing Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of more than $3.6 million to local organizations for the development of housing and support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Manitoba. The funding will support projects in Brandon and in rural and remote parts of Manitoba, including projects that meet Aboriginal needs.

In September 2008, the Government committed to more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS until March 2014.

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Backgrounder

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada.

The HPS took effect on April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years. In September 2008, the Government committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.

Since the launch of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, the Government has approved over $729 million for 2 220 projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada.

The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully in society. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories and other federal departments, as well as with communities and the private and not-for-profit sectors.

The availability of safe, stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Government's investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians.

By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The HPS provides the support that our community partners are seeking.

The HPS encourages a housing-first approach, recognizing that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness. It is also necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, the development of life skills and the management of mental health issues.